Emerging and zoonotic infections in women.
Emerging infections, many zoonotic, are caused by a variety of pathogens with global distribution. Previously rare pathogens have emerged; global travel facilitates their rapid spread. Human encroachment on remote areas has brought contact with zoonotic diseases never before characterized. Although systematic study of rare outbreaks can be challenging, knowledge of emerging pathogens and their effects on women is accumulating. This article discusses effects of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, West Nile virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, avian influenza A virus, viral hemorrhagic fevers, spirochetal illnesses, and Chagas' disease. The potential impact of candidate bioterror agents and issues of prophylaxis and therapy are discussed.
Theiler
Regan N
RN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550-0587, USA. Electronic address: rntheile@utmb.edu.
Rasmussen
Sonja A
SA
Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Treadwell
Tracee A
TA
National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS D-76, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Jamieson
Denise J
DJ
Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-40, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA.
D000818:Animals; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016387:Women's Health; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000635:transmission